There was a lot of stomping from room to room. What started as a murmur was now growing increasingly louder. Doors were getting closed a little harder than they should have been – okay, they were slammed! It was no wonder things didn’t start flying across the room because this was beginning to look and feel more like the antics of a two-year old.
The only problem was that it was me — the mommy — who was having the tantrum.
I had completely lost it.
“You don’t have a maid!” I shouted.
“How many times do I have to tell you to put away your stuff?”
It wasn’t a pretty site.
The resentment had been building for a while. I desperately needed a mom get-away but I didn’t follow the cues. Instead, all of the built up anger came out in one big, thick, dark cloud.
Maybe you can relate to my frustration. But be careful not to agree with me too quickly because in light of the Scriptures, my outburst was not warranted. I had allowed my anger to control me, and as a result, I acted unrighteously.
Thankfully, I’m learning that there is a better way to overcome anger!
My friend, Ruthie Gray at Rear Release Regroup has been hosting a series for moms on how to deal with anger. Every Thursday one mom shares what she’s learned about controlling anger from a biblical perspective.
Today it’s my turn to share some strategies that help me keep my anger in check. As you can tell, I’m still learning but I hope what I share will help you too.
You’ll find that all of these strategies have to do with choices.
While we can’t always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond.
So, follow me over to Rear Release Regroup for my guest post, 5 Ways to Deal with Anger and Get Back in the Game. There I will share five choices you can make to overcome anger.
And while you’re there, please check out the rest of the Mad Mom Makeover series.
What about you?
What strategies do you use to help you overcome anger?
Wishing you blessings!
If you enjoyed this post, please share it on social media so that your friends might also be blessed by it.
I share the love by linking with these amazing sites.
Aimee Imbeau says
Oh, yes, I know that kind of anger! Been there, done that! I think the biggest thing that has helped me to change is the fact that I know the effects of an angry parent who rages and lashes out in anger – from my childhood and into my 40’s! I had to just walk away last year after an ugly episode. While there are mental health issues to consider with that parent that I don’t have, I still didn’t want to hurt my children like that.
Thanks for linking up with Grace and Truth.
Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says
I just read and commented on your guest post Marva! Absolutely FABULOUS! Thank you so much for sharing.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
sunSPARKLEshine says
Thank you, my friend! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by both our sites. I appreciate you!
Betsy says
Following you there!
sunSPARKLEshine says
Thank you, my friend! I appreciate you.
Shannon @ Of The Hearth says
The sports analogy is really useful! I like the suggestion to “choose to be a good sport.” It can be so helpful to decide in advance how you are going to respond to certain situations or behaviors!
sunSPARKLEshine says
Thanks, Shannon. And imagine, I’m not even a big sports fan 🙂 . But you’re right, choosing how to respond in advance can really set us up to win.
Thanks for the sparkle. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
Michelle says
I have to count. Yup, the old fashion way, count to ten before I explode. Easier on some days than others. Pinning
sunSPARKLEshine says
That’s funny, Michelle but if it works for you most times, then good for you!
Hugs!
Deb Wolf says
Oh, I agree, Marva! Nothing used to set me off faster than my children fighting. I love your team analogy and wish I’d used it more often. And yes, having a group of moms to cheer us on helps on those difficult exhausted mom days. Great tips!
sunSPARKLEshine says
Thanks, Deb. I’m glad to have moms like you cheering me on while I’m still in the trenches. You give me hope!
Elizabeth Spencer says
I need this, because anger is one of my “things.” Headed over to check out the rest, but I love how you frame this as a “choice.” That is so right. Stopping by from Party at My Place!
sunSPARKLEshine says
Thanks for stopping by, Elizabeth. The world would have us believe that we don’t have much control over anger but that’s a big lie. We get to choose how we respond and though it’s not always easy, it’s certainly possible with God’s help. Praying that this will be a ‘thing’ of your past.